BigDog September 2026 Newlsetter

BIGDOG NEWS News • Updates • Stories • Community

SPRING INTO SEPTEMBER!!

June 2026

There are a few team changes happening at BigDog this month, so I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge some of our wonderful team members and wish them all the very best for the next chapter.

Wishing Julia all the best!

Julia is now officially on maternity leave and will be enjoying some well-deserved time with her growing family. We wish Julia all the very best for this exciting time and look forward to seeing her back with us next year. We hope she enjoys every moment of this special time with her little one!

Good luck, Kirby!

Kirby has made the decision to leave BigDog so she can focus on looking after her young daughter. We are very grateful for everything Kirby has contributed during her time with BigDog and wish her and her family all the very best. We will certainly miss having her as part of the team!

With Julia and Kirby both away, Beth will be taking over the rostering for both Toowoomba and Rockhampton. This is a big responsibility, so please help make things as easy as possible for Beth by being organized and responsible when requesting leave.

A big thank you to Beth for taking on this additional responsibility — I know everyone will get behind her and help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Finally, we want to say a big farewell to Megan, our Occupational Therapist, who is also leaving BigDog. Megan has been a valued member of our team, and we are grateful for the contribution she has made to our participants and the wider BigDog team. We wish Megan all the very best for whatever comes next and thank her for being part of the BigDog family.

HUMAN RESOURCES There are a few important Award changes coming up over the next couple of months!

Vehicle Allowance – From 1 September The SCHADS Award vehicle allowance is increasing from $1.01 to $1.05 per kilometre from the first full pay period after 1 September 2026. This is currently a temporary increase running until 28 February 2027 to assist essential care workers from recent severe fuel price spikes.

SCHADS Pay Rates – From 1 October Employees covered by Schedule E – Home Care Employees (Disability Care) are expected to receive an interim increase of up to 15% from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026. This increase is being introduced to address the historical undervaluation of work performed in the care and support sector.

The final determination is still being confirmed, so we’ll provide an update once the rates are finalised.

Don’t worry, payroll is keeping an eye on it all and will ensure the relevant changes are reflected.

OPERATIONS

DIRECTOR NOTES

02

Shout Outs ROCKY

ROCKY Shout Out to Mackenzie Bambling

Macka has become such a valued and appreciated part of the team.

He is always there when he’s needed, whether it’s helping with something in the office, jumping in to get a job done, helping manage unwanted visitors or simply being a familiar and reassuring presence around the place. The office team is especially grateful to have Macka around which really says a lot about the trust and confidence we have in him. He is someone who is always there when we need him, never hesitates to step up and genuinely makes everyone around him feel supported and looked after. He has also been doing a fantastic job with cleaning the SIL, putting in the effort to get things done and helping wherever he can. His communication is great, his attitude is positive, and his willingness to help with just about anything does not go unnoticed. Thank you, Macka, for always being there, supporting the team and being someone we know we can count on. We genuinely appreciate everything you do!

TOOWOOMBA Shout out to Nicholas Skerry-Lyons A big shout-out to Nicholas for being such a wonderful and reliable member of the team!

Nicholas is always polite, friendly and happy to help. He is incredibly reliable and is always willing to step up and cover shifts when needed, often saying yes without any hesitation. It’s so appreciated to have someone we know we can count on.

He has built great relationships with participants, who really enjoy having him around, and he always approaches his work with a positive attitude. Nicholas is also a fantastic team player and is always willing to lend a hand wherever he can.

Thank you, Nicholas, for being so dependable, positive and easy to work with. We really appreciate everything you bring to the team!

Shout Out to Kye Holden We’ve had some really positive feedback about Kye, with family and stakeholders highlighting how calm, kind and attentive he is. He has a great way of tuning into individual needs, building rapport and making people feel comfortable and supported. It’s been lovely to hear how well participants respond to Kye and how his patience, understanding and natural approach make such a positive difference. His ability to remain calm and adapt to the needs of the people he supports really stands out. A big thank you to Kye for also being so willing to help out with last-minute shifts recently. Thank you, Kye, for being such a caring, reliable and positive member of the team. We really appreciate everything you do!

TOOWOOMBA Shout out to Mitchell Damrow

A big shout-out to Mitch for the support he’s been providing!

Since Mitch started working with this participant, he has really focused on making sure they feel comfortable, supported and able to learn. There have definitely been some challenging moments and behaviours along the way, but Mitch has handled these really well and has remained calm, patient and consistent throughout. It’s been really nice to see the participant becoming more comfortable and enjoying getting out and about. Mitch has supported them to have lunch with the group at the pub and, more recently, to sit comfortably in a busy day service around other people, which is a massive step forward! It’s clear that the relationship Mitch has built with them is making a difference, and it’s great to see the trust and confidence developing. Great work, Mitch! We really appreciate what you’re doing!

03

September 2026

PETA

Issue 9

ROCKHAMPTON Hello September!

Welcome to September! With spring here, it’s a great time to get out into the community and support participants to enjoy some of the local events happening around Rockhampton.

Events!!

2026 Pet Expo Saturday, 5 September | 9:00am–2:00pm Robert Schwarten Pavilion, Wandal A great community event with pet stalls, activities and the return of Dashi Dash. Dogs must be on lead.

Capacity across Services We currently have capacity in Rockhampton for: ILO & SIL Supports Community Access Supports (CAS) 1:3 Group Activities If you’re looking for flexible, person-centred supports in Rockhampton, we’d love to have a chat and see how we can support you or your participant. Get in touch with the BigDog team today!

🏠 🚗 🎉

R U OK? Day Community Sausage Sizzle Thursday, 10 September | 10:00am–1:00pm

CAS and Group Activities

Rae of Sunshine Supports Car Park, 40 Stanley Street, Rockhampton City A free community event focused on connection, checking in with others and raising awareness of local support available through the community pantry.

ILO and SIL

Announcements

Fathers Day!!

September 6th

A few important reminders when providing support: Promote participant choice, control and independence.

Maintain privacy, dignity and professional boundaries at all times.

Complete clear and accurate shift notes and incident reports where required.

Make sure supports are provided in line with the participant’s goals, plan and individual needs.

If you are unsure about something, speak with your Coordinator before making changes to a participant’s supports

04

September 2026

Issue 9

BILLY & APRIL

TOOWOOMBA

Support Structure Changes To ensure sustainability and provide higher quality, goalfocused experiences, BigDog is transitioning our services to a Program of Support model.

What is a Program of Support?

A Program of Support is a regular, scheduled block of group activities running over a set period (typically 12 weeks). Instead of booking week-to-week, participants enroll in a full program designed to build specific skills, foster community connections, and help achieve NDIS plan goals.

Under the NDIS pricing guidelines, when you enroll in a Program of Support, you are committing to the scheduled sessions. This means that planned sessions are billed even if you are absent (unless a specific exit notice is given, typically 2 weeks).

This structure allows us to secure consistent support workers and resources for the group regardless of short-term attendance changes.

Carnival Spirit! 🌻✨

With September just around the corner, Toowoomba is about to come alive with the Carnival of Flowers!

This is one of the most exciting times of the year for our participants, and we want to make sure they don't miss out on any of the action. We are asking all support staff to actively jump online, research, and look into the massive lineup of activities happening across town.

🔍 What we need you to look for: Accessible park events: Check out what's happening at Queens Park, Laurel Bank Park, and the Botanic Gardens.

Community events: Keep an eye out for local twilight markets, food festivals, and the famous floral displays.

The Main Parade: Start planning early if your participants want to see the grand parade!

Sensory-friendly options: Look out for quieter times or specific community events that cater well to different sensory needs.

If you need any help feel free to contact us. t_services@bigdog.au

4632 9559

05

Jess

September 2026

Issue 9

DAY SERVICE

TOOWOOMBA August Wrap-up clear the way for September FUN! We will be making the most of the warmer weather with spring-inspired arts and crafts, gardening activities, visits to local parks and gardens, and opportunities to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

We will also be learning about different flowers, plants, and gardens along the way. Keep your eyes open when we are out and about — you never know what beautiful spring flowers we might discover!

Parent’s Corner NEXT BIGDOG MORNING TEA Get ready to show your team spirit because our next BigDog Morning Tea will be a FOOTY COLOURS DAY! Come along wearing your favourite footy team's colours and get ready for a morning of fun, food and friendly competition.

GOLD COIN DONATION We want to see everyone getting involved and showing off their favourite team colours.

Who will have the best footy spirit?

LOOKING AHEAD September is shaping up to be a fantastic month at BigDog, filled with spring activities, community outings, new games, gardening, creativity and plenty of opportunities to try something new. Let's make the most of the warmer weather, get outside, have some fun and enjoy everything spring has to offer!

New season. New activities. New games. New adventures. We can't wait to see what September brings!

🎡Something Ride, Explore & Try New! 01

02

SIDESHOW ALLEY ADVENTURE September is also bringing some exciting community fun with our All Abilities Sideshow Alley!

We are looking forward to getting out and enjoying the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the event. It will be a great opportunity to enjoy some community time together, have some fun and make some new memories.

SOMETHING NEW TO TRY! At BigDog, we are always looking for new ways to have fun and learn something different. This month we will be introducing new games and activities for everyone to try. From board games and card games to puzzles, team challenges and new group activities, there will be plenty of opportunities to have a go.

You don't have to be an expert — the most important thing is giving it a try! Who knows? You might discover your new favourite game!

06

September 2026

MACKA

Issue 9

DAY SERVICE

ROCKHAMPTON Monthly Recap!!

This Month we’ve travelled all around Central Queensland, from exploring the rugged terrain of Kemp Hill to enjoying the beautiful seaside, and even getting the chance to watch our amazing Royal Flying Doctor Service take off.

It’s been a week full of new experiences, fresh air, beautiful scenery and plenty of memories made along the way.

We love supporting our clients to get out, explore their community, try new things and make the most of every opportunity.

Looking Ahead – A Big Month of Adventures!

We’ve got another exciting month ahead at the Day Service, with plenty of opportunities to get out, get active and build new skills. Our Walking Club will be hitting the tracks around Mt Archer and Yeppoon Lagoon, giving everyone a chance to stay active while enjoying some of our local scenery.

We’ll also be focusing on everyday skill building, including grocery shopping, budgeting and making independent choices. And for those who enjoy getting outdoors, we’ll be heading out for some fishing and a much-anticipated Beach Day at Emu Park!

🏖️🎣

And finally… we’ve got a sneaky adventure to the Rockhampton Caves planned!

We’re looking forward to exploring, trying new things, building confidence and, most importantly, having plenty of fun along the way.

🦇

It’s shaping up to be another fantastic month at Day Service, new places, new skills and plenty of memories to make!

07

September 2026

Issue 9

BETH

ROSTERING

Hanover and Tyke Liceria Daycare

Volume 02 @reallygreatsite

Newsletter 2026

Hello everyone!

I hope you are having a fantastic month!

September is always so beautiful - with the flowers coming out and the fresh air, finally getting away from the freezing cold. For those of you who aren’t aware, both Kirby and Julia have moved onto new adventures. Julia will be back next year after some well deserved time off with her new addition to the family.

Anyway, I will now be your first point of contact for rostering in both Toowoomba and Rockhampton. I have been at BigDog for a while now so I know most of you, but feel free to send me a message if you want to chat! I always try my best to provide quality rosters and communicate openly. I just ask that we try our best to avoid late leave requests. We don’t want anyone going without support. Mental health is another topic I wanted to touch on briefly. I have spent many years studying psychology at university, so I wanted to share the important of looking after yourself. Life can look so different for everyone, but I’m sure we can all relate to wanting to have a sense of purpose, healthy lifestyle, gratitude community, being connected, confident, able to cope, and / or mindfulness.

A few things I do to avoid burnout and look after my mental wellbeing is the following good sleep hygiene - clean sheets, hot shower, no phone before bed, dark room. take breaks to recharge. move your body. prioritise tasks / create to do lists.

avoid procrastination. eat well - fresh fruit and veggies. reach out for support.

Some useful apps that you can download on your phone “Smiling Minds” where you can access information, do wellness checkins and create routines all for free.

“Calm Harm” where you can do breathing exercises, self monitor, or complete comfort activities You can reach us anytime at 0447 452 995 or t_rostering@bigdog.au

08

September 2026

Issue 9

Caitlin

RECEPTION 🔥 THE BIGDOG HOT SEAT

We’re bringing a little something different to the newsletter!

Each month, we’ll be putting one of our BigDog team members in the Hot Seat — asking the questions we actually want to know the answers to.

🔥

Forget the usual “What do you enjoy about your role?” questions. We want to know the important stuff…

The Hot Seat is all about getting to know the people behind BigDog a little better, having a laugh and maybe learning something you never knew about your teammates.

Think you know your co-workers? Think again.

First up in the Hot Seat: April Keep an eye out for their answers!

🔥

👀

Whats our teams favourite parts about spring

Having asked our office staff what their favourite things about spring are, we came up with the following answers: day drinking, foaling season, walking amoung the blooming flowers, “it’s my Birthday!”, running, bees/ hay fever, warm weather, longer days, tanning, yoga, spring cleaning and cocktails.

Can you guess who said what?

🌸☀️🐝

What’s the most enjoyable part of your role? I enjoy the problem solving, thinking outside the box and listening to our participants.

What’s a quote or saying that you live by? Its better to fall on truth then to stand on lies What first interested you about working in this industry? The versatility and how every day is different What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self? Not everyone needs your two cents BONUS: Who’s someone you really look up to, and why, I look up to my older brother Mio because he has a lovely family, job and outlook on life. He also lives at the beach which is a goal of mine.

7 1

4

5

8

2

6 Our reception team is here to greet you with a smile, answer your questions, and make your visit a great one!

09

HAPPY BIRTH D EVERY ONE! W AY ISHING YOU E NDLES S JOY AND S UCCES S TOD AY AND A LWAY S! 10

September 2026

Issue 9

Marvin

SCOTTVALE At Scottvale Health Club, we offer a range of clinician-led services designed to help you move better, feel stronger, and achieve your health goals.

Connecting with Our Community at the Capricorn Seniors Expo Last Friday, the Scottvale Health Club team had the pleasure of attending the Capricorn Seniors Expo, connecting with members of our local community and sharing how we support people in staying active, healthy, and independent.

It was wonderful to meet so many attendees, have meaningful conversations, and showcase the services available through our clinic and health club. We appreciate everyone who stopped by to say hello and learn more about how our team of clinicians can support their health and wellbeing goals.

We look forward to continuing to build strong relationships within our community and supporting our members at every stage of their health journey.

Our Clinical Services Are Here to Support You Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiology Appointments Available Our experienced team provides personalised support through: Physiotherapy appointments to assist with injury management, pain relief, rehabilitation, and improving movement.

Exercise Physiology sessions tailored to your individual needs, whether you are managing a health condition, recovering from injury, or working towards improved fitness and function.

Appointments are available now.

Contact our friendly team to book your session or find out how we can support you. (07) 4573 4611 / hello@scottvalehealthclub.

PhysiFit – Clinician-Led Exercise Sessions PhysiFit is our clinician-run hydrotherapy exercise program designed to provide safe, effective, and personalised exercise support in a welcoming environment.

Sessions run every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (MWF) and are available through: Private out-of-pocket payments DVA support WorkCover Private health insurance (where applicable)

Stay Connected with Scottvale Health Club For bookings, enquiries, or more information about our services, please reach out to our friendly team. We’re here to help you stay active, healthy, and connected.

(07) 4573 4611 hello@scottvalehealthclub. com

Follow Us www.scottvalehealthclub.com

If you have any questions about battery testing, your CDMP, or the upcoming event, our friendly team is here to help.

11

September 2026

Issue 9

SCOTTVALE

RECEPTION

A Safe and Inspiring Environment Check out what’s available at https://scottvalehealthclub.com/ PH: 4573 4611 or Email hello@scottvalehealthclub.com

Winter Wellness: Enjoy Our Sauna

18 September!

We’re also busy behind the scenes getting everything ready for the Beach Day Out Expo on Friday, 18 September!

We can’t wait to get out into the community, share what Scottvale Health Club has to offer and, most importantly, see some familiar faces and meet plenty of new ones!

It’s always fantastic to connect with our local community, and we’re looking forward to a great day filled with conversation, activities and plenty of fun.

🏖️

Make the most of the cooler months by taking some time to relax and recover in our sauna.

Our sauna is available for $25 for up to 30 minutes, with shorter sessions available at a reduced fee.

Whether you’re looking to unwind after a workout, support your recovery, or simply enjoy some well-deserved relaxation, our sauna is available for you to enjoy.

🏖️ Beach Day Out Expo – Beach Day Out Expo – 18 September!

Our classes are open to NDIS participants, DVA clients, aged care participants and private-paying clients.PhysiFIT Hydrotherapy: $30 per class If you’d like to find out more about our classes, pricing or availability, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to the Scottvale Health Club team via phone, email or by dropping into the club and we can help find the right option for you.

Upcoming Centre Improvements We are excited to share that some work will be taking place around the centre throughout the month of September. We are working to improve our facilities and create an even better experience for our members and clients. Further details, including any changes that may affect access or services, will be announced soon.

Thank you for your understanding and support while these improvements take place.

12

September 2026

Issue 9

SCOTTVALE

OCCUPATIONALTHERAPY 🌸 Spring Into the Community!

As spring arrives in Toowoomba, it’s the perfect time to get out, get moving and reconnect with our community!

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers provide much more than just a fun day out. They create opportunities to practise everyday skills, build confidence, increase independence and engage with the people and places around us.

The Carnival of Flowers is a great example of how we can turn community participation into meaningful activity. Exploring the gardens, walking through the floral displays, stopping for a chat, navigating busy spaces and trying something new all encourage participants to use a range of physical, social and communication skills. The 2026 Carnival will feature floral displays, community events, live entertainment, food, gardens and activities across Toowoomba from 18 September to 5 October.

🌱 Spring is also a great time to get moving!

As the weather warms up, finding ways to include more movement in our day can support overall wellbeing, mobility, confidence and participation.

This doesn't have to mean going to the gym or completing a formal exercise program. A walk through the park, visiting a local garden, going shopping, kicking a ball, exploring a new community space or simply getting outside for some fresh air all count!

For our participants, the goal is to make movement enjoyable, meaningful and achievable. Choosing activities that connect with individual interests makes it easier to stay motivated and turn movement into a regular part of everyday life.

🌼 This spring, let's: Get outside and explore our local community.

Try something new.

Build confidence through community participation.

Include more movement in our everyday routines.

Connect with others and make new memories.

Find activities that are fun, meaningful and enjoyable.

Spring is all about new beginnings — so let's get out there, have a go and make the most of everything our community has to offer!

🌸

13

That’s a wrap!

EAP PROGRAM Please be aware that we have engaged with a new EAP Program!

ASSIST

THANKS FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL MONTH, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! Dont forget to share your successes or updates that you might like shared in the BigDog Newsletter. Please send details to Billy at t_services@bigdog.au.